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Longoria could play in All-Star Game if selected

Longoria could play in All-Star Game if selected

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By Bill Chastain and Sam Strong
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MLB.com |

ST. PETERSBURG -- Despite Rays third baseman Evan Longoria's recent struggle with plantar fasciitis in his right foot, manager Joe Maddon would have no qualms about his third baseman playing in the All-Star Game, if selected.

At last count, Longoria ranked fourth in All-Star voting among American League third basemen, behind Detroit's Miguel Cabrera, Baltimore's Manny Machado and Texas' Adrian Beltre.

"If his foot is good over the next 10 days, please play," Maddon said. "If it needs a rest, we'll say he needs a rest at that point but right now, I would say he'll be able to play. If they want his bat, that wouldn't be a bad thing."

Maddon would feel reassured if Longoria were to attend because Tampa Bay's head athletic trainer Ron Porterfield is one of two trainers on American League All-Star manager Jim Leyland's staff.

Maddon also said he expects pitcher Matt Moore, closer Fernando Rodney, shortstop Yunel Escobar and first baseman James Loney to receive All-Star consideration. Results will be revealed Saturday at 6:30 p.m. ET on FOX.

Bill Chastain is a reporter for MLB.com. Sam Strong is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.